The Mask You Live In Film Screening

"The three most destructive words that every man receives when he's a boy is when he's told to 'be a man'- Joe Ehnrmann, coach and former NFL player

American masculinity values aggression, physical strength and sexuality. These 'ideals' hurt everyone. In order to stop sexual violence it is crucial that we engage conversations about gender norms and toxic masculinity.

"The three most destructive words that every man receives when he's a boy is when he's told to 'be a man'- Joe Ehnrmann, coach and former NFL player

American masculinity values aggression, physical strength and sexuality. These 'ideals' hurt everyone. In order to stop sexual violence it is crucial that we engage conversations about gender norms and toxic masculinity.

We want to take the opportunity to engage as a community to discuss the role toxic masculinity and gender norms plays in perpetuating sexual violence.

The Mask You Live In asks: As a society, how are we failing our boys? This documentary looks at the sociological implications of the phrase “Be A Man” and how it plays out throughout a boy’s life. The film examines how boys are influenced by parenting, our education system, sports culture, and mass media and how gender stereotypes are interconnected with race, class, and circumstance. Of particular importance to the film is unveiling the long-term, negative impact of "American masculinity" on the mental and emotional well-being of male youth.

The documentary and post-film discussion is meant to bring awareness to how we can create a community that values health gender relations. Free dinner provided.